products by Grace Bonney 3

leaf-it

One of the bright spots of last year’s ICFF was a simple pack of notepads that looked like ginkgo leaves. It was such a basic concept but one of those sweet ideas that stays in your mind and makes you smile all day. Designed by Appree in Korea, each sticky note looks like a different leaf type (I love the Ginkgo and Maple) and is now available for sale at The Future Perfect online. Each pack costs $8 and contains 60 sticky sheets for decorating your home or office with something both practical and pretty. xo, grace

amy merrick by amym 60

living in: downton abbey

It seems as though the whole internet (or at least my very small but special corner) couldn’t stop shrieking about this week’s Season 2 premiere of Downton Abbey in the States. A TV show on Living In? Gasp. But it’s OKAY because no TV is required, thanks to streaming from the PBS website. The British soap opera is just as deliciously addictive as any daytime drama, but since it ratchets up the style quotient to dizzying heights, it gets a pass otherwise withheld from its less elegant alternatives. — Amy Merrick

1. Eugenia Kim Catherine Hat, $379; 2. Edwardian Haircomb, $150; 3. Schonbeck Chandelier, $998; 4. Kate Spade Bracelet, $148; 5. Antique Velvet Sofa, $4800; 6. Brass Andirons, $950; 7. French Gilded Mirror, $299; 8. Kristan Crystal Earrings, $27; 9. Mayfair Alabaster Lamp; 10. Antique Carpet Pillow, $229

*To find out more about the history of English country houses, check out Amy’s Past & Present post about them here!

The second set of stills and another product roundup continue after the jump . . .

biz ladies by Stephanie 49

biz ladies: 12 lessons for 2012

Today’s Biz Ladies post comes from Andrea Mansfield, a Portland-based business coach. As part of her coaching, Andrea curates a selection of business-related posts on her blog, and today she offers an itemized list of 12 things we can learn in the new year to help grow our businesses. Thanks, Andrea, for such an inspiring post! — Stephanie

Read the full post after the jump . . .

city by Stephanie 47

Northampton, MA City Guide

Photo by Carey Baker

Today’s Northampton, MA, city guide comes from designer Mary Wiseman, who moved to Northampton from Beijing, China, five years ago. Living downtown, Mary keeps a sharp eye on this quaint city and its happenings while she develops instructional materials and online courses. Thank you for this wonderful guide through Northampton, Mary! — Stephanie

Read the full guide after the jump . . .

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2012 valentine’s day cards from rifle paper co.

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, Anna Bond at Rifle Paper Co. just released a beautiful new set of Valentines Day cards. I’m a big fan of Anna’s illustrative style and I love the way she plays with rich reds and pinks in her work- that color palette is perfect for the holiday. Anna designed four new Valentine’s Day cards for 2012 and the handsome fox has got to be my favorite. He looks so dashing with that monocle. You can check out and shop all of the new (and existing) Valentine’s Day cards from Rifle Paper Co. right here. Thanks to Anna for sending these over! xo, grace

More cards after the jump…

products by Grace Bonney 8

est. 1986 valentine’s day cards

Valentine’s Day is coming up next month, so I’ve been keeping my eye out for cute cards. I’m starting to build a little roundup of favorites, but I couldn’t resist sharing a few this morning. I love these linoleum block printed cards from Est. 1986 at Etsy. Each 2-tone card is the sort of sweet simple style I love for this holiday. As much as I love cards with sweet messages inside, sometimes it’s nice to just let a clean image send the main message. You can order this card (and others) right here for $4. xo, grace